Search - David Copperfield on DVD

The Greatest Version Ever Made

Donald J. Keck | Powder Springs, Georgia USA | 01/21/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Those reviewers who criticize this DVD are absolutely correct. It is a terrible transfer. The picture is awful and the sound is worse. That said, it is still the only copy we have of this wonderful film.
Those reviewers who criticise the film itself simply don't know what their talking about. This is, by far, the best version of David Copperfield ever filmed. Later versions are longer, more lavish, with better DVD transfers; but none has ever surpassed this gem of a movie. Director Delbert Mann captures the spirit of Dickens' classic novel better than any other version ever produced. Its all here: the sheer evil of the Murdstones, Mr. Creakle, Steerforth & Uriah Heep, the mad humour of Micawber, Barkis & Mr. Dick, the generosity, kindness and loyalty of Aunt Betsy, Peggotty, the Micawbers & Mr. Wickfield, the foolish innocence of Little Emily & Dora, the self sacrificing love of Dan Peggotty, Ham & Agnes.
And the cast is magnificent (including Robin Phillips as David Copperfield). How can you beat a cast that includes Edith Evans, Ralph Richardson, Lawrence Olivier, Anna Massey, Richard Attenborough, James Donald, Cyril Cusack, Sinead Cusack, Michael Redgrave, Susan Hampshire, Emlyn Williams, Wendy Hiller, Pamela Franklin & Ron Moody (who is superlative as Uriah Heep)? You can't! And it has never been done. This is simply the greatest film version of David Copperfield ever made.
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